Friday, August 5 2005 14:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (Aug 5,2005) regretted that the African Union (AU) was unable to endorse an AU/G4 draft Framework Resolution on expansion of UN Security Council but said it would continue to engage the African countries with a view to 'promoting a common understanding'.

In the wake of the development, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh has already spoken to the Foreign Ministers of other members of the G4 Brazil, Germany and Japan, they agreed to remain in touch to review the situation arising out of the AU decision, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters in New Delhi.

"It is a matter of regret that the Extraordinary African Union summit held in Addis Ababa was unable to endorse an AU/G4 Foreign Ministers and the representatives of the AU in London on July 25," Sarna said.

He was responding to the decision of the 53 members AU rejecting the G-4 suggestion that they accept two permanent seats without veto power.

The African leaders stuck to their demand for veto power and announced setting up of a 10-member panel to continue talks on the Council reforms.

"India has noted the decision of the AU Summit and will, in close consultation with G4 members, continue to engage African countries with a view to promoting a common understanding," Sarna said.